City Council

June 7, 2011 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION(S) 1. Mayor’s Senior Advisory Committee Annual Report CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 5/17/11 City Council Minutes 2. Approve Budget Amendments 3. Approve Budget Transfers 4. Approve Payroll 5/20/11 $409,209.59 5. Approve Payroll 5/27/11 $382,253.62 6. Approve Payroll 6/3/11 $408,281.83 7. Approve Warrant 2011 Mid 11MWJUN1 $55,624.78 8. Approve Warrant 2011 Mid 11MWMAY2 $277,957.52 9. Approve Warrant 2011 Regular 11JUN1 $452,797.17 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Saratoga Springs Enlarged School District Transportation Rental Agreement 2. Discussion and Vote: Open Gym Time for Adults at Recreation Center 3. Announcement: Saratoga Springs Recreation Center Summer Hours 4. Announcement: Summer/Fall Clinics, Kinder Skate & Fall Soccer Registration 5. Discussion and Vote: Appointment to the Ethics Board 6. Appointment: Design Review Commission 7. Discussion: Tribute to Isabel Berrios of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Board ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion: Grievance Day 2. Award of Bid: Chemicals to Various Vendors 3. Discussion and Vote: Rescind Bid for Fire Inspection Services 4. Award of Bid: Fire Inspection Services to Simplex Grinnell FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Works Payroll Transfers 2. Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Safety Payroll Transfers 3. Discussion and Vote: Mayor’s Department Payroll Transfers 4. Discussion: City Finances City Council Meeting 6/7/11 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation - Bench 2. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation – Stone Monument 3. Discussion and Vote: Approval for the Saratoga County Summer Youth Program 4. Appointment: City Engineer 5. Discussion and Vote: Sick Bank Request PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Set Public Hearing: Four Way Stop as the Intersection of Nelson Avenue, Spring Street and Madison Avenue SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. County Veterans Legislation Update 2. Property Tax Monitor 3. Sustainable Saratoga June 21st Update 4. Upcoming June Public Meetings and County Business Matthew Veitch 1. Technology Committee 2. Saratoga Gaming & Raceway Foundation 3. Sundae on the Farm ADJOURN Page 2 of 10 City Council Meeting 6/7/11 June 7, 2011 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room PRESENT: Scott Johnson, Mayor Ken Ivins, Commissioner of Finance John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of DPW Richard Wirth, Commissioner of DPS Matthew Veitch, Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor STAFF PRESENT: Shauna Sutton, Deputy Mayor Kate Jarosh, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Sharon Kellner-Chille, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Tim Cogan, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Frank Dudla, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Joe Scala, City Attorney RECORDING OF PROCEEDING The proceedings of this meeting were taped for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not a word-for-word transcript. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMENT Mayor Johnson opened the public comment period at 7:01 p.m. Page 3 of 10 City Council Meeting 6/7/11 Mayor Johnson said the public comment period is limited to a total of 15 minutes and individuals are limited to two minutes each according to the rules approved in February of 2004 by the City Council. Gene Corsale of Outlook Avenue stated on behalf of the veterans gathered here tonight and other veterans in the community, they thanked Commissioner Scirocco for working with Bonacio Construction to relocate the Veterans Memorial from Division Street and Railroad Place to Congress Park. John Krause of 227 Grand Avenue stated we are beginning the critical part of the operating year. There are so many questions to solve and unresolved. Where as a City are we going, how do we start, where do we start? The City has survived in spite of itself. He contributes this to the community business leaders. The citizens need a level playing field to have an open and honest dialogue of what ails our government. Joshua Zalen of 22 Hathorn Boulevard stated he is here as he understands there may be funds available for the Geyser Road Trail. He and his neighbors are looking forward to having that trail. Right now they have to drive if they want to access the playground at the Geyser Road School or other parts of the City. This trail is important to them and would add value to the Geyser Crest neighborhood. Riley Neugebauer of 17 Warren Street stated she would like to second the comment about the Geyser Road bike trail. Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 7:08 p.m. PRESENTATION Mayor’s Senior Advisory Committee Annual Report Mayor Johnson introduced Mary Zlotnick of the Senior Advisory Committee to present the report. Mary Zlotnick stated that she is representing the mayor’s advisory committee on senior issues. They are a voluntary, non-partisan advocacy group open to all citizens . They focus on the issues and concerns of the senior citizens in our City. Ms. Zlotnick introduced Mr. Jay Portnoy. Mr. Portnoy advised the 55 and older population in the City of Saratoga Springs is growing. According to the 2010 census, the 55 and older population is close to 30% of the population. Of the voting population in the City, the 55 and older population is 40%. Ms. Zlotnick provided each member of the Council with a packet of information. She reviewed the projects that had been completed by the committee, concerns identified, and future projects for 2011. All this information is contained within the packet. She also advised the next committee meeting is July 11th at noon at the Senior Center. Mayor Johnson thanked the group for their hard work and dedication. He has seen great progress and a great amount of effort on the issues that involve our senior population. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 5/17/11 City Council Minutes 2. Approve Budget Amendments 3. Approve Budget Transfers 4. Approve Payroll 5/20/11 $409,209.59 Page 4 of 10 City Council Meeting 6/7/11 5. Approve Payroll 5/27/11 $382,253.62 6. Approve Payroll 6/3/11 $408,281.83 7. Approve Warrant 2011 Mid 11MWJUN1 $55,624.78 8. Approve Warrant 2011 Mid 11MWMAY2 $277,957.52 9. Approve Warrant 2011 Regular 11JUN1 $452,797.17 Ayes - All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Saratoga Springs Enlarged School District Transportation Rental Agreement (11- 164) Linda Terricola, director of recreation advised this is an annual agreement between the school district and Saratoga Springs for transportation for Camp Saradac. The cost per mile has increased from $.98 per mile to $1.77 per mile. The funding is in the Camp Saradac budget. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve the rental agreement as described. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Open Gym Time for Adults at Recreation Center (11-165) Linda Terricola, director of recreation advised the Recreation Commission is asking for City Council approval on a trial basis for open adult programs; basketball, pickle ball, and volleyball. They are currently charging for open adult basketball. They plan to provide 1 or 2 courts starting June 27th through September 2nd. Mayor Johnson confirmed the remaining courts will be available for organized play and rental availability. Linda advised that was correct. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to approve the open gym time as described. Ayes - All Announcement: Saratoga Springs Recreation Center Summer Hours Linda Terricola, director of recreation advised the Recreation Commission approved summer hours effective June 27th through September 4th. The hours will be Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday and Sundays 12 noon – 5 p.m. They will be open for special events as requested during this time. The center will be closed on July 4th and September 5th. Announcement: Summer/Fall Clinics, Kinder Skate & Fall Soccer Registration Linda Terricola, director of recreation advised they extended their clinic registration to June 17th. Hours of registration at the Recreation Center will be Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. ***Mayor Johnson thanked Linda Terricola as her last day of employment will be June 17th. She remained on a part-time basis to assist the City as they were in a transition period with the new Recreation Center. Linda is the most dedicated employee in the Recreation Department. The City thanks her for her efforts of the years. Page 5 of 10 City Council Meeting 6/7/11 Discussion and Vote: Appointment to the Ethics Board (11-166) Mayor Johnson stated he is recommending the appointment of Marilyn Rivers to the Ethics Board based upon the recent vacancy due to the retirement of Paul Male. The board is required to have one City employee as a member. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Franck seconded the appointment of Marilyn Rivers to the Ethics Board. Ayes - All Appointment: Design Review Commission Mayor Johnson withdrew this item from his agenda. Discussion: Tribute to Isabel Berrios of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Board Mayor Johnson stated Isabel Berrios was a resident of Stonequist and a 2 term member of the Housing Authority Board. She will be greatly missed. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion: Grievance Day Commissioner Franck announced the annual grievance day was held on Tuesday, May 24th. He advised there was 139 parcels grieved in 2009, 165 grieved in 2010, and 287 grieved in 2011. The 2011 number is artificially inflated as 20 were STAR exemptions, 81 parcels were multiple parcels such as condos. The number of taxpayers that filed reflects the number grievances as there were 118 taxpayers that grieved in 2009, 154 grieved in 2010, and 143 grieved in 2011. He thanked the Board of Assessment Review for their time and effort. Commissioner Franck also advised if a resident had their BASIC STAR exemption removed, the resident can have their school tax bill adjusted if they bring in their 2009 income tax information with a copy of their school tax bill. For additional information regarding this, people can contact our Assessment Office. Award of Bid: Chemicals to Various Vendors (11-167) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to award the following chemical bids effective immediately:  Hydrofluosilic Acid & Liquid Sodium Permanganate to Slack Chemical Co. for $5.49 per gallon and $428.45 per 55 gallon drum respectively;  Sodium Hypochlorite and Sodium Hypochlorite 5 -gallon drum to Surpass Chemical Co. for $.692 per gallon and $5.64 per 5 gallon drum respectively;  Polyaluminum Chloride to Holland Co. for $17.39 per CWT;  Sodiumsilico Flouride to Thatcher Co. of NY and Faesy & Besthoff - each company bid $50 per CWT;  Copper Sulfate to Thatcher Co. of NY for $165.20 per CWT; and award the bid for Phosphate (30/70 blend) and Phosphate (23/77 blend) for $6.77 per gallon each effective July 7, 2011 to Shannon Chemical Co. Page 6 of 10 City Council Meeting 6/7/11 Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Rescind Bid for Fire Inspection Services (11-168) Commissioner Franck announced since the award of bid for fire inspection services to Mircom Engineered Systems at the May 3rd City Council meeting, our director of Risk & Safety determined that this vendor is not able to provide the appropriate insurances required. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to rescind the award of bid to Mircom Engineered Systems for fire inspection services effective immediately. Ayes – All Award of Bid: Fire Inspection Services to Simplex Grinnell (11-169) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to award the bid for fire inspection services to the next lowest qualified bidder – Simplex Grinnell. Ayes - All FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Works Payroll Transfers (11-170) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the Department of Public Works payroll transfers as previously distributed to the Council. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Safety Payroll Transfers (11-171) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve the Department of Public Safety payroll transfers as previously distributed to the Council. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Mayor’s Department Payroll Transfers (11-172) Commissioner Ivins moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to approve the Mayor’s Department payroll transfers as previously distributed to the Council. Ayes – All Discussion: City Finances Commissioner Ivins stated the in-rem proceedings is coming to a conclusion. The last day to redeem is June 15th. We are no longer accepting personal checks – only bank checks or cash. After June 15th, the City will file a summary judgment. This means all properties in the in-rem process that still owes back taxes will be owned by the City and may be subject to auction soon there after. Commissioner Ivins stated mortgage tax continues to be strong; there was a large filing in February. His personal opinion is things are starting to pick up in Saratoga Springs. There has been a lot of discussion about a tax cap coming out of Albany. The Senate passed their version of the tax cap in January and the Assembly version would cap year to year growth in municipal property tax levies at the lesser of 2% or the Page 7 of 10 City Council Meeting 6/7/11 annual increase in the consumer price index. This would be effective for fiscal years beginning 2012. A local governing body could adopt a local law to override the tax cap. The override would be good for 1 fiscal year and would have to be approved by 60% of the total voting power of such governing body. He would welcome a tax cap. Mayor Johnson stated NYCOM’s main concern with capping the property tax is not relieving us from the unfunded state mandates. This is a problem statewide, not just for the City. He urged everyone to lobby with their representative at the state level to urge that the unfunded state mandates be repealed where appropriate to help us put the next budget for 2012 together. Commissioner Ivins said we have had to make tough decisions already and now we will have to make tougher decisions. He doesn’t see how it is going to work. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation – Bench (11-173) Commissioner Scirocco stated a memorial bench has been purchased to put around the carousel. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to accept $785 for a City memorial bench. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation – Stone Monument (11-174) Commissioner Scirocco stated he was contacted by Gene Corsale regarding the stone monument that was located on Division Street and Railroad Place. They no longer had enough room to hold their ceremonies there due to the construction and requested this monument be moved to Congress Park. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to accept the stone monument with the attached plaque. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Approval for the Saratoga County Summer Youth Program (11-175) Commissioner Scirocco stated the County contacted them to be a worksite for the 2011 Saratoga County Summer Youth Program. The applicants and participants will be working up to 25 hours per week and will be planting grass, mowing lawns, cut brush, and general labor tasks under the supervision of the DPW supervisors. The applicants and participants will be paid by the County with no financial impact to the City. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to have the Council approve the City as a worksite for the Saratoga County Youth Program. Commissioner Scirocco advised he will be a resolution to the next meeting to accept a specified number of employees. Ayes - All Appointment: City Engineer Commissioner Scirocco announced the appointment of Tim Wales to the position of City Engineer. He has over 22 years of experience in progressive design, engineering management, planning and design of potable water supply, etc. Mr. Wales is a city resident. Page 8 of 10 City Council Meeting 6/7/11 Discussion and Vote: Sick Bank Request (11-176) Commissioner Scirocco advised he has a DPW employee who is in need of 7 ½ days from the sick bank. This has been approved by the CSEA union. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve the 7 ½ days from the sick bank. Ayes – All PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Set Public Hearing: Four Way Stop as the Intersection of Nelson Avenue, Spring Street and Madison Avenue Commissioner Wirth set a public hearing for Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 6:55 p.m. SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen County Veterans Legislation Update Supervisor Yepsen reported they are proposing legislation to be passed this month to be unlawful for anyone in Saratoga County to engage in a demonstration or protest within 500 feet of any place of worship, funeral home, or cemetery where a military funeral or event is being held. There is a public hearing on the adoption of this local law on June 15th at 4:45 p.m. at the County Board of Supervisors Chambers. Property Tax Monitor Supervisor Yepsen reported the property tax office is keeping a close eye and providing information to property owners. The STAR application form is being revised and will be available in July. Sustainable Saratoga June 21st Update Supervisor Yepsen reported Sustainable Saratoga is offering an event at Saratoga Winery from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. on June 21st. Upcoming June Public Meetings and County Business Supervisor Yepsen reported there are public meetings scheduled for June and on the website. Matthew Veitch Technology Committee Supervisor Veitch reported they passed a new technology policy for online use and putting it into practice. They will be looking into on-line agenda systems; a wi-fi system for the board room; and better recording devices for meetings. Saratoga Gaming & Raceway Foundation Supervisor Veitch reported this program has been running since 2002. Funding is from the racino and the Harness Horsemen’s Association. Applications are accepted from not-for-profit organizations. Page 9 of 10 City Council Meeting 6/7/11 Sundae on the Farm Supervisor Veitch reported this even will be held June 19th from noon to 4 pm at the Clear Echo Farm in the Town of Northumberland. There will be farm tours, food, etc. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to adjourn the meeting. Ayes – All There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 6/21/11 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 10 of 10